Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Andy Krueger to break down what truly creates reliability in dog training.
From understanding genetics and temperament to mastering leash pressure, neutralization, and structured learning, this conversation focuses on the real-world principles that separate guessing from intentional training. Whether you’re working toward advanced protection sports like French Ring, PSA, or IGP, or simply want a stable, obedient family dog, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.
Andy explains how high-level sport training sharpens a trainer’s ability to read dogs, identify gaps in training, and apply pressure with precision instead of chaos. If you’ve struggled with reactivity, inconsistent obedience, poor engagement, or confusion about training methods, this episode will give you a clearer lens to evaluate what’s actually happening in front of you.
What You’ll Learn
• Why genetics influence training outcomes more than most people realize• The three pillars of proper socialization: interaction, familiarization, and neutralization• Why many owners move too fast and skip foundational work• How structure builds trust, cooperation, and clarity• Why leash pressure is often misunderstood yet essential• How to properly layer tools without creating dependency• The emotional side of training: stress, anxiety, drive, and engagement• How sport training improves real-world obedience• What separates average trainers from elite competitors
Connect with Andy Krueger
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/andykrueger
Website
https://www.kruegercanine.com/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@AndyKrueger
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/andy_krueger/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@andykrueger

German Shepherd Shop
High-quality working dog gear and training equipment
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Connect with Nate
From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625
Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169
Michael Ellis Course Breakdown Article
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/
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https://NateSchoemer.com
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Podcast
https://pod.link/1804414647

What separates average dog trainers from elite professionals?
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with legendary Hollywood animal trainer Joel Silverman to unpack decades of real-world experience training animals for film, television, marine mammal programs, and advanced performance work.
Joel explains the principles that actually create reliable obedience, strong motivation, and lasting communication between dog and handler. From reinforcement schedules to environmental influence and foundational structure, this conversation reveals what professional trainers understand that most people overlook.
Whether you’re raising a puppy, solving behavioral issues, or refining advanced obedience, this episode delivers practical strategies grounded in behavioral science and real-world application. As Joel puts it, if your dog does not experience training as engaging and rewarding, you limit its full potential.
• Why bonding should come before formal training• The biggest mistake trainers make with foundations• How variable reinforcement builds long-term motivation• When to use high-value vs low-value rewards• Why rewarding in position matters for precision behaviors• The truth about markers, shaping, and luring• How environment influences training outcomes• What professional trainers consistently do differently
From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625
Joel Silverman’s Hollywood Dog Training Program
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/joel-silvermans-hollywood-dog-training-program-by-joel-silverman?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49804463079713
Website
https://NateSchoemer.com
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Former Navy search-and-rescue medic and Kennelwood Academy instructor Jeremy Ciepluch joins Nate Schoemer to break down what actually builds long-term success in the dog training industry.
Jeremy shares how working alongside military working dog teams shaped his training philosophy, why many trainers struggle after certification, and what skills truly matter if you want a sustainable career working with dogs.
If you’re serious about becoming a professional trainer — or improving your training skills — this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who trains dogs and trains trainers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why exposure to multiple disciplines creates stronger trainers

The biggest mistakes new trainers make after graduating

What actually prepares someone for a long-term career in training

Why clarity and marker systems change everything

How to avoid burnout in the profession

The traits that separate good trainers from elite ones

🎓 Nate Schoemer’s Course:From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training👉 https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625🔗 Kennelwood Academy & Jeremy Ciepluch:Website: https://kennelwoodacademy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennelwoodacademy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kennelwood.academyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennelwoodAcademyJeremy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoy_jeremy/📲 Follow Nate Schoemer:Website: https://NateSchoemer.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX: https://x.com/NateSchoemerPodcast: https://pod.link/1804414647

What separates average dog training programs from systems that consistently produce reliable, real-world results?
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Brian Claeys, founder of All Dogs Unleashed, to break down what professional trainers do differently when working with high volumes of real dogs and real owners.
This is a behind-the-scenes conversation about structure, clarity, proofing, client education, follow-up systems, and the operational habits that separate high-performing programs from average training businesses.
Whether you’re a professional trainer, aspiring trainer, or serious dog owner, this episode will change how you think about long-term results and real-world obedience.
Why most dog training programs fail long-term

How high-volume board & train programs are structured

What real consistency looks like in daily training routines

How clarity and proofing create reliable obedience

Why customer education matters more than most trainers realize

The importance of follow-up systems

How trainers balance obedience and behavior modification

What separates elite programs from average operations

High-quality working dog gear, training equipment, and accessories
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Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/
Follow German Shepherd Shop:
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From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625
Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169
Course Breakdown Article:
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/
Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Working Spot: SOLD OUT
Audit Spot: $250
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North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Working Spot:
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San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
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What You’ll Learn In This Episode🎯 Sponsor — German Shepherd Shop🎓 Recommended Dog Training Courses📍 Upcoming Live Seminars👤 Guest — Brian Claeys🔗 Connect With Nate

Most dog owners try to teach obedience by jumping straight into commands, structure, and discipline. According to Jamie The Dog Trainer, that approach is backwards.
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Jamie to break down why obedience often feels difficult, and how trick training, play, motivation, and proper foundations can make training easier, faster, and far more effective.
They explore how engagement, reward systems, emotional conditioning, and drive-building techniques create dogs that actually want to work with you, instead of simply complying under pressure.
If you want reliable obedience, stronger engagement, and training that feels fun instead of frustrating, this conversation will change the way you approach dog training.
🎓 Learn Nate’s Full Training System:
From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625
🎧 Listen to the Podcast:
https://pod.link/1804414647

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
Why most owners teach obedience in the wrong order

How trick training builds engagement and focus

How reward events make food and markers more powerful

The role of classical and operant conditioning in training

Why play matters more than discipline early on

How confidence and drive affect obedience reliability

Common misconceptions about tug, play, and resource guarding

How to build motivation in low-drive dogs

Why tricks create emotional readiness for obedience

The foundations needed before addressing behavior problems

The difference between obedience and true behavior change

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:
New dog owners

Experienced handlers

Professional trainers

Balanced trainers

Positive reinforcement trainers

Owners struggling with engagement or obedience

Handlers working with reactive or fearful dogs

Anyone wanting a science-based training approach

KEY TRAINING CONCEPTS DISCUSSED:
Reward Event Theory

Marker Training

Engagement Building

Play-Based Motivation

Emotional Conditioning

Reinforcement Schedules

Counterconditioning

Trainer Mindset

Training Philosophy

Choosing the Right Trainer

FOLLOW JAMIE THE DOG TRAINER:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiethedogtrainer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedogtrainer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamiethedogtrainer1735
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiethedogtrainer

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647